Binturong arrives at Dudley Zoo
A zoo has welcomed a female popcorn-smelling 'bearcat' to join their family of animals.
Female binturong Ellie has arrived at Dudley Zoo from Germany – to join her new boyfriend Elliot.
Ellie, who turns one next month, has moved from Tierpark in Berlin to share the zoo's new £25,000 enclosure with one-year-old Elliot.
The pair will slowly be introduced to each other over the next week – with keepers hoping that they will be able to announce the pitter patter of binturong babies in the future.
When Elliot arrived from Olomouc Zoo in the Czech Republic, at the start of May, it was the first time the keepers had held the fascinating species and they had always planned to find him a female companion.
The unusual binturong species – also known as a bearcat – have a feline face, a bear-like body, a tail like a monkey and smell of popcorn.
Jay Haywood, assistant curator, said: "Ellie is quite a placid animal and we are delighted to welcome her to share a home with Elliot.
“She is already quite confident and was as bold as brass when she first went into the outdoor section of the enclosure, exploring every part of it.
“We look forward to getting to know her character and temperament. Keepers from Berlin have told us her favourite food is strawberries.”
Ellie, who was transported by Specialist Wildlife Services, arrived on June 14 after making the 24-hour journey by road and the Channel Tunnel.
